In response to recent shakeups at the CDC, major medical organizations and independent experts are stepping up to create a new, unbiased vaccine advisory panel—ensuring the integrity of immunization guidance remains intact.

Earlier this month, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. disbanded the CDC's 17-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and reappointed just eight members—some with known anti-vaccine views. This controversial move has prompted concern from health professionals, policy experts, and insurers worried about public trust and insurance coverage for vaccines like measles, flu, and MMRV.

In rebuttal, top-tier medical societies, the Vaccine Integrity Project, state health officials, and others are assembling an independent, evidence-based panel. Led by infectious-disease expert Michael Osterholm at CIDRAP, the group will offer guidance free from political interference. Colorado has already enacted laws to maintain vaccine coverage aligned with scientific consensus, regardless of federal changes.

This grassroots effort isn’t just a precaution—it’s a lifeline for public health. With measles cases at a decades-high and misinformation spreading, reliable guidance is critical. Organizers are also coordinating with insurers and pharmacies to ensure vaccine access remains uninterrupted. This collective action underscores a powerful principle: when science is threatened, communities can step in and help preserve it.